Fulham Ladies hit promotion rivals Bristol Rovers for six this afternoon to go top of the National Premier League Southern Division despite missing several first-team stars due to international duty.
The Whites went in front in the third minute through a header from the in-form Marianne Pettersen but gifted their hosts a route back into through a defensive mistake from captain Mary Philip. Lively forward Deena Rahman restored the visitors’ advantage with her first goal of the campaign from close range six minutes before half-time. The hosts pushed for an equaliser but, after something of a tongue lashing from Gaute Haugenes, the Cottagers controlled the second period with more far more effective passing football.
Rachel McArthur’s venomous drive gave the Londoners a little bit of breathing space and Fulham eased to victory after that. Australian international Kristy Moore added a late brace before Pettersen completed the scoring with a spot-kick six minutes from time. The comprehensive win lifted the Whites to the top of the table some two points ahead of fierce local rivals Chelsea Ladies with two games in hand.
Haugenes told Fulham’s official website after the final whistle:
“Bristol Rovers were well organised and battled very hard. We had to swap three [out] of four positions to get more creative players into midfield and dominated the second half”.
FULHAM LADIES (4-3-3): Smith, Jerray-Silver, Terp, Phillip, Gibbons; Mork (Unitt 77), McArthur, Duncan; Rahman (Collins 45), Moore, Pettersen.
GOALS: Pettersen (3, pen 86), Rahman (39), McArthur (57), Moore (69, 84).
hhe win puts Fulham at the top of the division 2 points clear of Chelsea Ladies with 2 games in hand. COME ON YOU WHITES!
FULHAM LADIES (4-3-3): Smith; Jerray-Silver, Terp, Phillip, Gibbons; Mork (Unitt 77), McArthur, Rahman (Collins 45); Moore, Pettersen, Duncan.
GOALS: Pettersen (3, 86), Rahman (39), McArthur (57), Moore (69, 84)
